“God gave us memories so we may have roses in December.”  —  James M. Barrie

A couple of weeks ago I was in Publix after church, scoping out the bananas trying to find some that were ripe but not already a day away from liquid mush, when a woman sidled up next me.  I thought I was in her way.  “HI,” she said exuberantly for a stranger.   I started to move and return a less exuberant greeting when I looked at her and saw she was a former student who graduated in 2015, though I had her her freshman year, 2011/2012.  She was thrilled that I remembered her name right off the bat, and so was I for that matter.  I told her that I had actually been talking about her, and a couple other girls from that class, to my husband just a few days prior.  

We stood, blocking a portion of the bustling produce section for a good 30 minutes catching up, and each wearing an infant son on our chests.  Hers was just a little older than mine.  It was really nice to see her and hear what she has been up to, (while her poor husband circled and circled and circled the produce with their three year old son X).  There are many difficult aspects of education, but I love bumping into *most of* my former students and getting to see how well they are doing.  

Those times of reflecting are indeed roses in December that I am thankful for, and when I look back on all my years in the classroom, those are by far the best trophies (although I did get a little plagiarism award [from the best principal ever] because I caught so much plagiarism one school year).  Anyway, this time of year is generally a little reflective and introspective for most people and bumping into Delanie helped push it to the forefront of my mind.  

Teaching is difficult and, prior to me leaving to raise our son, was becoming more difficult with each passing year.  It’s so important to have these little wins that help keep pushing educators forward.  These roses that can grow in the metaphorical winters of work.  

So here is to growing roses that you can carry with you always!  

And if you need any November/Thanksgiving relevant resources, I have a couple!  

And well, this Greek mythology unit for “The Paradise of Children,” Nathaniel Hawthorne’s version of Pandora’s Box is just something that I am thankful is finally completed since I started putting it together over six months ago.  Babies! They just come in and attentions must shift!  And that is also something to be thankful for.

Happy Teaching!

M.D. Saints
Reading the Rapids
Liberty Dog Writing Co.

Some grand memories with our dogs.  Silly dogs.  Just look at my little Nike there, totally horrified that Novah the interloper is in the backseat with her, hahaha. Nike was double plus thrilled when she got into the car for a long ride in July of 2021. Then she was double plus unhappy when we arrived at our destination and Novah joined our pack. But it just took a few weeks for them to become friends. And now a few years later they are best doggie friends. They would love to dig up some rose and nibble some petals together, no matter what month they may bloom.  X)